The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Madison County

Big Piney Creek winds through the heart of the Ozark National Forest, known for its clear mountain water. Designated a National Wild and Scenic River, it’s popular for canoeing, fishing, and swimming, with Class I–III rapids and year-round recreation. The creek flows for nearly 70 miles before joining the Arkansas River, passing through remote wilderness, historic bridges, and Forest Service campgrounds, including Long Pool and Haw Creek Falls.

This is a lovely campsite with two fire rings and plenty of level spots to pitch your tent. Situated along the beautiful Cedar Creek, there is a waterfall here that drops into an emerald green pool, perfect for a dip on a warm day. It's an ideal spot for an overnight stay, and an opportunity to explore more of this beautiful area while you're here.

Bear Skull Falls, the largest of several along this stretch of the OHT, is a beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall over fantastic slot-like rock formations that end in a calm pool at its base. The falls tumble through a narrow ravine surrounded by mossy boulders and dense forest canopy. It's especially photogenic after rainfall. If you are from Arkansas and are familiar with Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park, you'll notice the striking similarity, but not quite as large. The short spur trail to reach the falls is well worth the side trip, perfect for a scenic break to capture some memorable photos

This spur trail runs roughly 1 ½ miles south to reach the Mulberry River, a popular spot for paddling with beautiful views. Byrd’s Adventure Center sits right along the river and offers tent sites, cabins, and amenities for hikers looking to rest or resupply, including warm showers, a convenience store, and a restaurant. This spur is the perfect exit or resupply point for thru-hikers navigating the OHT’s midsection.

Indian Creek is beautiful, cutting through a narrow gorge with clear water running over mossy rocks and pooling under the tall bluffs. After rain, it creates several small waterfalls, though it often dries up in summer. The creek bed is rough and uneven, so be mindful of your footing when crossing. There are a couple of nice tent sites here with fire rings, and if the weather is warm, the pools are a great place to take a dip and cool off.

Hare Mountain, part of a designated Special Interest Area, is the highest point along the OHT, rising to about 2,400 feet. There are several campsites here, with bear poles, fire rings, a picnic table and plenty of trees for hanging a hammock. There is a nearby well, and all sites have beautiful panoramic views of the Boston Mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset. It's worth the detour, even if you don't plan on staying overnight.

Fane Creek is clear and beautiful as it flows through this quiet forest stretch, with smooth rock, gentle cascades, and small pools. The crossing is usually manageable, though the flat rock can be slick after rain, so take care with footing. There are two or three excellent campsites just a few yards upstream, with stone chairs, fire rings, flat tent space, and easy access to water—perfect for a restful overnight, or a spot to take a few hours to rest and recharge.

Spirits Creek is a wide and reliable stream in the Ozark Highlands, known for its steady flow due to a large drainage area and headwaters that are over two miles upstream. Just a short walkable distance upstream is a charming eight-foot waterfall called Spirits Creek Falls, set in a beautiful valley, with easy access to nearby cascades like Robinson Falls. The creek also has great campsites and is a vital water source along the Ozark Highlands Trail.